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Archive for September, 2011

David does RWC – Days 15, 16 and 17

September 30, 2011 1 comment

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is well under way in New Zealand, and we’ve sent our Chief Rugby Analyst David Shipton along to cover the entire tournament for us (well… not really. He lives there.)

RWC Days 15, 16 and 17

The RWC has been chugging along quite nicely so far. There was a lot of talk in the build up to the RWC as to if New Zealand would be able to host a good RWC. There were fears that that the All Blacks would be the only team supported and that the other teams really would not get a look in. However, most of the crowds (the majority kiwis) have really gotten behind other teams and have really decided to adopt a second team.  It has been really enjoyable to watch on the TV/Fan Zone. I will be, however, travel up to Auckland to watch to South Africa v Samoa game (watch for me in the crowd) and will give you an update on facilities there.

Read more…

AFL Team Lists – Grand Final

September 29, 2011 Leave a comment

The grand final isn’t too far away now… read on to see who will be running out on Saturday afternoon. Read more…

Podcast – Series 3 Episode 12 – Grand Final Edition

September 29, 2011 Leave a comment

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

 

This week we present our grand final show for 2011! The Phantom joins us for the entire show, while David Shipton makes his podcast debut. That’s right – a five person panel!

There’s a big preview of the NRL and AFL grand finals, as well as the upcoming round of EPL action. The RWC is closely examined, with everyone revealing who they think will win the tournament.

In addition to this, Tomo’s Think Tank returns for a second consecutive week, covering some pretty diverse topics. He also reveals how he won $1000 in Dunedin.

This is the last podcast until the summer – not one you want to miss!

Click here to listen

Click here to listen in iTunes

NRL Team Lists – Grand Final

September 27, 2011 Leave a comment

The teams are in… Read on to see who will be running out for Manly and the Warriors on Sunday! Analysis still to come. Read more…

David does RWC – Days 12, 13 and 14

September 26, 2011 Leave a comment

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is well under way in New Zealand, and we’ve sent our Chief Rugby Analyst David Shipton along to cover the entire tournament for us (well… not really. He lives there.)

RWC Days 12, 13 and 14

As per the last article I want to start this one with a bit of a rant. I was watching Argentina and Scotland play in really bad conditions, and couldn’t happen to notice that there was quite a high injury toll during the match. Now, if the injury to the player is serious enough, the ref will stop play and award a scrum. This is generally also done to stop the injured player and the medics getting in the way of the game.

However, on Sunday night I watched as Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe got what seemed to be a serious enough injury, yet nothing was done about it. A couple of seconds later the play was round him, and he couldn’t get out of the way (he had done something to his knee and therefore could not walk off). There were several Argentinean rucks only meters away from where he lay with a medic guarding him, and on several of them he influenced the play. Now this is just unacceptable. You cannot have an injured player influencing the game like Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe did (no fault of his). He should have been allowed to go straight off instead of having the possibility of a ruck potentially forming near or even on him, and having an influence on play.  The IRB have dropped the ball on this one for me. Read more…

2011 NRL Grand Final Poll

September 25, 2011 Leave a comment

We’re now only a week away from the 2011 NRL grand final, where the Sea Eagles will take on the Warriors for the premiership. Manly had a solid win over the Brisbane Broncos, while the Warriors upset minor premiers Melbourne Storm to book a spot in only their second grand final.

We’ll have a preview of the game later in the week, but for now we thought we’d canvas the opinion of our readers. Vote in the poll below!

 

The Punt #15

September 23, 2011 Leave a comment

We had no winners last week, with the Wallabies’ unfortunate loss to Ireland at RWC causing a lot of grief. Adrian on the other hand just had a shocker, with all three legs failing to get up. Everyone will be looking for a change in fortune, and there are some interesting selections, so head on in to see where we’re putting our cash! Read more…

NRL Preliminary Finals/AFL Preliminary Finals/EPL Gameweek 6 Megatips

September 23, 2011 Leave a comment

Time for… MEGATIPS. We’re only one weekend away from the AFL and NRL grand finals, and there are just four teams remaining in each competition, vying for a spot in the biggest day of the year. The EPL rolls on, and with plenty of upsets last gameweek, who knows what will happen this time around. Read on to see who we’re backing! Read more…

David does RWC – Days 9, 10 and 11

September 23, 2011 Leave a comment

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is well under way in New Zealand, and we’ve sent our Chief Rugby Analyst David Shipton along to cover the entire tournament for us (well… not really. He lives there.)

RWC Days 9, 10 and 11

The RWC has marched on through the week, only taking a break on Monday. The minnow nations that are taking part are beginning to tire a bit and I don’t really blame them. This is one area that I think the IRB needs to take a look at. The minnow’s (basically everyone bar those in the Six Nations and Tri Nations plus Argentina) have had such quick turnarounds that they are getting fatigued in the last 20 minutes of the game and letting the bigger sides romp all over them. How is it fair that they regularly have to play 2 games in a week (including at least one against the top dogs) yet none of the top teams have to play more than once a week? It would help even the playing field so much if they did this. Teams like Fiji and Samoa have enough talent to be competitive and win games against the top 10 but will stand no chance if they have had to back up a couple of days later and play a strong and well rested side? Anyway that’s my rant over, now onto the games. Read more…

AFL Team Lists – Preliminary Finals

September 22, 2011 Leave a comment

The teams for the preliminary finals are in – read on to see who is turning out for a spot in the grand final on the line! Read more…